I've shown several movies on mountaintop removal mining at Liberty Brew & View so The Last Mountain covers familiar territory. It reviews a few of the same battles and scenes essential to the story that I've seen before. Two big factors set this documentary apart. One is high production value, especially the spectacular footage of mountaintop mining operations.
The second is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. himself. His charisma and enthusiasm give the movie unique energy. Rather than attempting to evenly show both sides, Mountain makes a clear argument and does so powerfully. The funnest scene is Kennedy having a lively conversation in a small cafe with the head of the West Virginia Coal Association.
The most interesting surprise was the film's argument in defense of outsiders getting involved. Other movies and activists focus on local West Virginians, which is understandable. The Last Mountain not only defended why outsiders like Kennedy have an obligation to intervene, but also highlights the courageous acts of civil disobedience by "outside agitators" with Climate Ground Zero and Mountain Justice. It was refreshing to see the filmmakers tackle an issue that many avoid.
A young crowd of over 600 watched at Bonnaroo on June 9 and the response was wildly enthusiastic. There were plenty of laughs and shouts at the screen during the showing and a standing ovation at the end.
Only two questions were asked after the movie but they both lead to Kennedy's characteristic rants. He spoke about the important role documentary films have come to play as sources of news and information ignored by the corporate press. Documentaries like this one are absolutely essential when a compromised press chooses to push celebrity gossip rather than report relevant news that doesn't fit the agenda of their advertisers and owners. I couldn't agree more. Nothing makes media bias more obvious than following how coal issues are covered.
Be sure to see The Last Mountain if there's a screening in your town.